What type of internet user are you?

Most people will fall into one of three data brackets: light, medium or heavy user.

To help you decide which category you fall into, consider the following questions:

How much time do you spend online?

Do you mainly use the internet for checking emails and light web browsing?

How often do you use social media sites like Facebook or Instagram?

Do you download or listen to music or radio online?

Do you watch YouTube clips, or films on Netflix or Amazon Prime?

Are you an online gamer?

Light user: 1-10 GB

If you only use the internet for occasional browsing, checking your emails or downloading the odd song, you are probably a light internet user.

Opting for a low data allowance could save you money as you are unlikely to need the high data limits required for streaming HD video or downloading large files.

Keep in mind that your supplier may charge you for exceeding your allowance, so you should only opt for the lowest limit if you are sure you will not go over it.

Medium user: 10-20 GB

You may find that you browse the internet daily but download only a few films or songs each month. This makes you a medium user.

While you need a higher limit, you are unlikely to make use of a heavy or unlimited data package. A data limit between 10 and 20 GB will give you more flexibility than a low package but will still be affordable.

Keep in mind that you will be charged if you go over your allowance. This might work out cheaper than paying for unlimited data but make sure you are aware of all costs.

Heavy user: 20-40 GB

If you regularly download or stream HD films, play games online, or download software online, you are a heavy internet user.

You will need a large or unlimited data allowance that will allow you to stream content and use gaming platforms without disruption.

However, few data allowances are truly unlimited so will still be capped for excessive use at peak times.

What speed will you need?

Broadband speed is a measure of the time it takes to download information from the internet to your device.

Speed is shown as megabits per second (Mbps) and it will affect everything you do online, from loading a website to streaming TV and films.

The broadband speed you need depends on:

How you use your broadband: If you are a light internet user, a low speed connection may be cheaper. If you use your broadband for downloading or streaming video content, think about getting a higher speed connection.

How many people will use the connection at the same time: If you have a large household where several devices will be connected to the internet at the same time, you will need faster broadband.

Fibre broadband

Superfast speed

No need for a phone line

Bundles for broadband and TV

More expensive

Limited availability

Prone to surges

Fibre broadband relies on fibre optic underground cables to supply your home with an internet connection. The same network is used to supply digital TV, which is why fibre often comes as part of an entertainment bundle.

The network that provides fibre broadband is separate from the phone lines used for ADSL, so it is supplied straight to your home much faster.

However, the superfast speed of fibre can leave it vulnerable to surges. This can be frustrating if you enjoy online gaming which relies on stable and consistent speeds.

Fibre is only available in parts of the UK where the network is already in place, which results in higher costs and leaves only about half the population with access.

Virgin Media are the only supplier of pure fibre optic broadband in the UK but they are working on expanding coverage through the Cable My Street initiative.

You can then choose whether to pay monthly for your service, or pay as you go.

If you want a cheap and flexible alternative to standard broadband, mobile broadband comes with minimal setup costs and no line rental to pay.

It is intended for lighter use, with lower speeds and smaller data limits than most broadband services. Availability will depend on your location, as the strength of mobile phone signal and availability of 4G varies throughout the UK.

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